Brownstone that sold for $1.7M came with convicted killer

Even a convicted killer can’t stop a bidding war when it comes to New York City real estate.

Real estate investor Israel Weinberger bought a rundown brownstone on West 119th Street in Harlem for $1.7 million, knowing that it came with a squatter who served prison time for manslaughter, DNAinfo reported. The three-story home was marketed for a mere month and set off a bidding war despite the presence of Shaqwan Latinez, who claimed to be a legal resident. Shari Rollins, of Douglas Elliman, handled the listing.

Latinez, who served seven years in prison on manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon charges, asserted that he was a resident of the brownstone, since the late owner had rented him a room in the home. After relatives for the late owner tried and failed to have Latinez removed, they decided to sell the property and let the new owner deal with him.

A neighbor told DNAinfo that Latinez’s belongings had been removed from the building last year. [DNAinfo] — Kathryn Brenzel